Tree walk
This walk takes you past and through Purmerend's historic town centre with its many monuments, but through beautiful trees and greenery. Over 30 special and historical trees are included in this route.
Route
This route can be followed via the route markers of the walking network. The purple arrows can be found on lampposts/traffic poles or route posts and guide you along the route. Along the way, each tree has a nameplate with a QR code for more information. You can start this route at Purmerend NS railway station or at the TOP on the Beemsterburgwal.
Useful information
The free leaflet with map is available from the VVV Museum Shop or can be downloaded as a PDF document.
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Starting point
Purmerend railway station
Stationsweg 1
1441 EJ Purmerend
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Double-flowered Horse Chestnut | Aesculus hippocastanum 'Baumannii'
In front of the station, a double-flowered horse-chestnut tree flaunts itself in the circular flowerbed. Striking are the 'white candles' that adorn the tree in May and June.
Double-flowered Horse Chestnut | Aesculus hippocastanum 'Baumannii'
In front of the station, a double-flowered horse-chestnut tree flaunts itself in the circular flowerbed. Striking are the 'white candles' that adorn the tree in May and June.
The horse chestnut is native to southwest Asia and southeast Europe and is widely planted in the Netherlands. The tree likes slightly acidic, nutrient-rich soil and a sunny location. The horse chestnut can grow up to 25 metres tall. The lower branches sag out later in life and grow straight up. This gives the tree a 'heavy crown'. The fact that the tree looks rather dark is due to its dark-green leaves, which are hand-shaped: narrow at the base and broad at the top.
Ash | Fraxinus excelsior
On Wilhelminalaan, you immediately pass one of the largest ash trees in Purmerend. This one is no less than 17 metres tall and has a lot of 'waterlot', a sign of age.
Ash | Fraxinus excelsior
On Wilhelminalaan, you immediately pass one of the largest ash trees in Purmerend. This one is no less than 17 metres tall and has a lot of 'waterlot', a sign of age.
Ash occurs naturally and in different species across much of Europe. However, fraxinus excelsior is the only species also found in the Netherlands. Together with privet and lilac, ash belongs to the olive family. The tree likes to grow on moist and nutrient-rich soil. Otherwise, it has few requirements. Ash does not leaf out until late spring and drops its leaves again early in the autumn.
Beech | Fagus sylvatica
To the right of the former school building is a gigantic beech tree with a trunk circumference of no less than 3.5 metres.
Beech | Fagus sylvatica
To the right of the former school building is a gigantic beech tree with a trunk circumference of no less than 3.5 metres.
Beech trees are native to the Netherlands and belong to the so-called nap bearer family: the fruit is protected by a nap. Incidentally, beech trees do not want to grow everywhere. The tree occurs in the final stage of forest development. The soil should be moist and well-drained. The water table should not be too high, but not too dry either. Beech lives in symbiosis with a fungus. This means that without the fungus, the tree has difficulty growing. Beech trees can grow to be large, with 35 metres being no exception in forests! Due to its acid leaves and dense crown, little will grow under a beech tree. Beech forests are therefore very open.
Wingnut | Pterocarya fraxinifolia
To the left of the building is a monumental wingnut. The tree is native to the Caucasus region.
Wingnut | Pterocarya fraxinifolia
To the left of the building is a monumental wingnut. The tree is native to the Caucasus region.
Plane tree | Platanus x hispanica
At the beginning of the little park is a beautiful plane tree. Plane trees cope well with the urban climate and can easily grow 25 to 35 metres tall.
Plane tree | Platanus x hispanica
At the beginning of the little park is a beautiful plane tree. Plane trees cope well with the urban climate and can easily grow 25 to 35 metres tall.
Plane trees grow almost everywhere! And can withstand dust and air pollution well. The plane tree also doesn't mind its branches being heavily pruned. It is therefore a fine tree for streets and parks. If you let them grow freely, they become really impressive trees. On this tree route, you will come across them in more places.
Oak-leaved Beech | Fagus sylvatica 'Quercifolia'
Don't be fooled: This is not an oak tree, but a beech tree!
Oak-leaved Beech | Fagus sylvatica 'Quercifolia'
Don't be fooled: This is not an oak tree, but a beech tree!
Beech trees are native to the Netherlands. But the leaf of this species looks more like the leaf of an oak. Oak-leaved beech is also found only in Europe. When exactly this species was selected is not known. Beech trees belong to the so-called nap bearer family: the fruit is protected by a nap. Incidentally, beech does not want to grow everywhere. The tree occurs in the final stage of forest development. The soil should be moist and permeable. The water table should not be too high, but not too dry either. Beech lives in symbiosis with a fungus. This means that without this fungus, the tree has difficulty growing. This tree can grow up to 20 metres tall. The crown eventually becomes round. Due to its acid leaves and dense crown, little wants to grow under a beech tree. Beech forests are therefore very open.
Black birch | Betula nigra
Surely there is a birch here, but without white bark.
Black birch | Betula nigra
Surely there is a birch here, but without white bark.
The black birch is also called red birch. This has to do with the colour of its trunk. Most birches have a white bark. The black birch quickly flakes off to a red-brown or dark brown-black trunk.
This tree comes from the United States of America. In particular, its area of origin is the eastern and south-eastern part. Its natural growth habit is usually multi-stemmed.
In early spring, the long female flowers that hang down in spikes are striking.
Birch can become substantial trees. This one is around 15 metres, but in the wild and in forests, heights of up to 25 metres are quite feasible. The black birch likes to grow on moist soil. It just really doesn't like clay or acid soil. Its growth habit makes it unsuitable for a narrow street. In a park, however, it does well.
Common Lime | Tilia europaea
The Dutch lime is a very old cross between the small-leaved lime and the summer lime. Here in front of you is quite a row.
Common Lime | Tilia europaea
The Dutch lime is a very old cross between the small-leaved lime and the summer lime. Here in front of you is quite a row.
Because the small-leaved lime and the summer lime both occur in the wild in the Netherlands, the Dutch lime can arise spontaneously in the forest. The cross you see here lined up beautifully, however, originated in a nursery. You see the tree a lot near farms, as it provides a lot of shade. Do you also know the linden tree? So that's a Dutch lime tree that is pruned into a plane every year. It is also an easy tree: it grows everywhere. The trunk gets considerable grooves and thicker lumps at an older age, on which young twigs often grow.
Weeping willow | Salix sepulcralis 'Chrysocoma'
Who does not know the weeping willow? In the water, this weeping willow has been given its own little island. How nice is that!
Weeping willow | Salix sepulcralis 'Chrysocoma'
Who does not know the weeping willow? In the water, this weeping willow has been given its own little island. How nice is that!
This characteristic tree is commonly found in parks and cemeteries. If the soil is moist and nutrient-rich, the weeping willow can reach a height of up to 20 to 25 metres. Its width is often no less than that. In winter, the thin yellow twigs that hang down vertically are striking. Did you know that the name of this willow has changed quite often? This weeping willow is a cross between the native willow salix alba and the Chinese weeping willow. This species was first crossed in France in 1815 and was then called salix alba 'tristis'. After that, it was suddenly called salix babylonica. And now, therefore, salix sepulcralis 'chrysocoma'. Shall we just stick to weeping willow?
Juliana lime | Tilia europaea
Along Emmakade, there is quite a row of these limes. The lime tree on the corner of the Juliana Square has a significance. It is a Juliana lime tree.
Juliana lime | Tilia europaea
Along Emmakade, there is quite a row of these limes. The lime tree on the corner of the Juliana Square has a significance. It is a Juliana lime tree.
Planting a tree is an old custom at the birth or coronation of a crown prince(s) of the royal house. This Dutch lime tree was planted for Juliana, but whether it was planted at her birth in 1909 or at her coronation in 1948 is not known to anyone. It may well be that the tree was planted at birth, uprooted in World War II and then replanted. But believe it or not, that is nowhere to be found! The Dutch lime is a cross between a small-leaved lime and a summer lime. Since both of these occur in the wild in the Netherlands, a Dutch lime can emerge spontaneously in the forest. This cross, however, originated in a nursery. You see the tree a lot near farms, as it provides a lot of shade. Do you also know the linden tree? So that's a Dutch lime tree that is pruned into a plane every year. It is also an easy tree, which will actually grow anywhere. The trunk gets decent grooves and thicker lumps in older age, on which young twigs often grow.
Single-leaved Ash | Fraxinus excelsior (Monophylla)
The group of ash trees here is special. In fact, they have only a single-leaf leaf and used to be literally called 'Monophylla'.
Single-leaved Ash | Fraxinus excelsior (Monophylla)
The group of ash trees here is special. In fact, they have only a single-leaf leaf and used to be literally called 'Monophylla'.
Ash occurs naturally and in different species across much of Europe. However, fraxinus excelsior is the only species also found in the Netherlands. Together with privet and lilac, ash belongs to the olive family. The tree likes to grow on moist and nutrient-rich soil. Otherwise, it has few requirements. Ash trees start to leaf late in spring and drop their leaves early in autumn. This species is special: the tree has one leaf with two smaller ones. An anomaly discovered in England in 1789. When young, the tree is almost columnar. Later, the tree develops a broad upright crown that can reach 15 to 18 metres in height. Its width is about 10 metres. Striking are the dark brown, almost black buds that are clearly visible in winter.
Pedunculate oak | Quercus robur
The pedunculate oak is a tree native to the Netherlands. Oaks belong to the nap oak family. Beech and also birch belong to the same family.
Pedunculate oak | Quercus robur
The pedunculate oak is a tree native to the Netherlands. Oaks belong to the nap oak family. Beech and also birch belong to the same family.
In nap bearers, the fruit of the tree is protected by a...nap. In oak trees, this is the characteristic cap on top of the acorn. Did you know that pigs love acorns? They used to be let loose in the woods to enjoy the acorns. And did you know that our ancestors regarded oaks as sacred trees? Oaks are common in the Netherlands and in large parts of Europe and Russia. Pedunculate oaks are easy trees, growing in almost all soil types. They can grow up to 40 metres tall and quite wide. So not a tree for a city garden! Oak wood is durable and widely used in the furniture industry and shipbuilding. The bark contains eek. This, in turn, is very important as a tanning agent for the leather industry.
Mountain maple | Acer pseudoplantanus 'Atropurpurea'
It is not entirely certain that the sycamore maple is native to the Netherlands. Some say it is, others believe the tree has only been known in the Netherlands since the late Middle Ages.
Mountain maple | Acer pseudoplantanus 'Atropurpurea'
It is not entirely certain that the sycamore maple is native to the Netherlands. Some say it is, others believe the tree has only been known in the Netherlands since the late Middle Ages.
This red-leaved specimen is native to central and southern Europe and southwest Asia. The red leaf is a colour deviation from the common maple: red-leaved plants are regularly found in seedlings. Some of them have been given an official name, like this one. The leaf colour can vary from wine-red to dark purple. In this tree, the underside of the leaf is purple-red in colour. A maple will grow anywhere, it does not make many demands. It does not mind a windy spot either. The tree has beautiful hand-shaped leaves. And everyone knows its fruits, which are like little helicopters! Maple wood is very valuable and is often used for parquet, musical instruments and gymnastics equipment.
Irish yew | Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata Aureomarginata'
Is it a tree or a shrub? This particular yew has an upright form (Fastigiata) and the young leaves have a yellow edge (Aureomarginata). Truly a peculiarity, therefore, we don't know when it was discovered.
Irish yew | Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata Aureomarginata'
Is it a tree or a shrub? This particular yew has an upright form (Fastigiata) and the young leaves have a yellow edge (Aureomarginata). Truly a peculiarity, therefore, we don't know when it was discovered.
Yews are actually conifers. The Irish yew is widespread in Europe and is very rare, including in the Netherlands. This conifer is found in deciduous forests, hedges, along streams and likes moist, well-aerated, moderately nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil. The ancient Greeks thought the plant had something to do with the gods of the underworld, as it was often found in cemeteries. And the plant is very poisonous! Only the red flight flesh of the berries is not. Yet the young shoots are used in a remedy for cancer. The plant is evergreen and can grow very old. The shrub or tree can reach a height of 3 to 15 metres. Very often there is already branching from the soil.
Hungarian oak | Quercus frainetto
Unfortunately, the Hungarian oak planted here, in honour of Purmerend's 50,000th resident, did not survive a major renovation of the square. But this younger specimen is just as beautiful.
Hungarian oak | Quercus frainetto
Unfortunately, the Hungarian oak planted here, in honour of Purmerend's 50,000th resident, did not survive a major renovation of the square. But this younger specimen is just as beautiful.
This tree comes from the Balkans, you find it particularly in Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. The strange thing is that the tree is hardly found in Hungary. It belongs to the nap family, just like beech and birch.
This oak likes heavy, nutritious, slightly acidic soils that are wet in spring and bone-dry in summer. It does not like high water tables and dislikes lime. The lime is the reason why the tree is not actually found in Hungary.
This deciduous tree can grow up to 30 metres or taller. It usually has a nice continuous trunk. Remarkably, the leaves are at the ends of the branches. This gives the tree an open crown.
The leaves are large and glossy green, turning from yellow to brown in autumn. They sometimes remain on the tree until spring. The acorns are one-third to one-half enclosed by the nap.
Chinese Varnish Tree | Koelreuteria paniculata
The yellow flowers of this tree are succeeded in autumn by typical 'bloated' fruits that resemble lanterns.
Chinese Varnish Tree | Koelreuteria paniculata
The yellow flowers of this tree are succeeded in autumn by typical 'bloated' fruits that resemble lanterns.
This tree does have a lot of names: Chinese varnish tree, yellow soap tree, lantern tree, cool window tree and blowing tree! It belongs to the soap tree family: a worldwide common family of woody plants. You see the Chinese varnish tree mostly in parks and along streets. The tree is native to Asia, China and Korea. Did you know that you can roast the seeds and then eat them?
Amur cork tree | Phellodendron amurense
The older this tree gets, the more its bark resembles cork. Amur refers to the Amur River basin in Asia where it was discovered.
Amur cork tree | Phellodendron amurense
The older this tree gets, the more its bark resembles cork. Amur refers to the Amur River basin in Asia where it was discovered.
The Amur cork tree is a stately and fast-growing tree that is special in all seasons. In spring it has yellow flowers, in summer strongly scented leaves, in autumn it turns beautifully yellow and bears berries. And in winter you can see its beautiful profile and corky bark even more clearly. Also special: this tree often grows wider than it is tall. The hard wood is used for furniture and the yellow inside of the bark is used to make yellow dye.
Bee trees | Tetradium daniellii
These two young bee trees will form a beautiful green gateway in a few years. They bloom late, in July and August, producing beautiful panicles of white flowers.
Bee trees | Tetradium daniellii
These two young bee trees will form a beautiful green gateway in a few years. They bloom late, in July and August, producing beautiful panicles of white flowers.
The panicles provide lots of nectar, which bees love to feast on. Hence the name!
These trees are located in the old cemetery. It is open to the public on weekdays from 9am to 3.30pm.
Field maple | Acer campestre
This native species is found in large parts of western and central Europe. A moderately nutrient-rich and moderately moist soil is preferred. A sunny spot is much appreciated. The field maple is related to the sycamore maples.
Field maple | Acer campestre
This native species is found in large parts of western and central Europe. A moderately nutrient-rich and moderately moist soil is preferred. A sunny spot is much appreciated. The field maple is related to the sycamore maples.
This maple tree is a pioneer. If there is a gap somewhere in the forest, it will quickly fill it. The tree is more of a substantial shrub that can grow between 3 and 10 metres tall. This maple feels especially 'happy' along a forest edge, as a hedge between two plots or at the edge of a stream. The small hand-shaped leaves that turn a beautiful yellow in autumn are striking. This species is often seen as a deciduous hedge around larger gardens.
This tree is located in the old cemetery. It is open to the public on weekdays from 9am to 3.30pm.
Holly | Ilex aquifolium
This holly is more than 100 years old and has as many as three trunks. In winter, it is full of red berries.
Holly | Ilex aquifolium
This holly is more than 100 years old and has as many as three trunks. In winter, it is full of red berries.
Holly occurs in the Netherlands as a native tree or as a shrub. It is the only leafy deciduous tree in the Netherlands: unique! This tree grows slowly and reaches about 8 to 10 metres high. It is undemanding: dry soil, moist soil, nutrient-rich or nutrient-poor soil, lots of shade. It likes it all. Its leaves are typical. Up to a few metres above the ground, the leaves have spines. Above that, no more. It is said that this protects it from animals eating it. But is this true? Because parts of the plant are poisonous.... And when you think of holly, you immediately think of Christmas. The sprigs with the typical red berries can be found in almost every Christmas arrangement. Why? Because birds don't like the berries, so they just hang on the branches in December.
This tree is located in the old cemetery. It is open to the public on weekdays from 9am to 3.30pm.
Black Tupelo tree | Nyssa sylvatica | Autumn cascades
This tree stands where it belongs, in somewhat swampy soil. Especially in autumn, its brightly coloured leaves make it a real attention-getter.
Black Tupelo tree | Nyssa sylvatica | Autumn cascades
This tree stands where it belongs, in somewhat swampy soil. Especially in autumn, its brightly coloured leaves make it a real attention-getter.
Hanging silvicultural lime | Tilia petiolaris or tilia tomentosa pendula
How beautiful a tree can be. This lime tree has had years of free growth to the size it is now. Originally there were two, but one died of a fungus.
Hanging silvicultural lime | Tilia petiolaris or tilia tomentosa pendula
How beautiful a tree can be. This lime tree has had years of free growth to the size it is now. Originally there were two, but one died due to a fungus.
This hanging silver lime tree is a cross between a tilia tomentosa and an unknown species of lime. The hanging silver lime is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia and is not native to the Netherlands. For reasons that are unclear, this beautiful park tree is still rarely cultivated. Presumably, the drooping branches are a problem. This is because the tree has to be crowned high to be able to drive under it. At 10 metres, the tree remains relatively narrow, but it can grow tall: 25 metres or even higher. The flowering of this tree is the last of all lime trees: sometime in June, July or August only. Its nectar or pollen is said to be toxic to bees. A special feature is the white-grey underside of its leaves.
Feather maple | Acer negundo 'Aureomarginata'
This, very wide, tree with heavy trunks is now really elderly. The tree comes from the northern United States. It belongs to the maple family. It is one of the maples with a compound leaf.
Feather maple | Acer negundo 'Aureomarginata'
This, very wide, tree with heavy trunks is now really elderly. The tree comes from the northern United States. It belongs to the maple family. It is one of the maples with a compound leaf.
Most maples have hand-shaped leaves. The anomalous leaf shape with 3 to 5 leaves makes this tree fairly special. This feather maple also has a colour deviation in its leaves. If you look closely, you can see that the leaf margin is creamy white!
Christine Buisman Elm | Ulmus x hollandia 'Christine Buisman'
These seven, very rare elms are named after Christine Buisman, who conducted pioneering research on elm disease. There are three varieties. Can you tell the difference?
Christine Buisman Elm | Ulmus x hollandia 'Christine Buisman'
These seven, very rare elms are named after Christine Buisman, who conducted pioneering research on elm disease. There are three varieties. Can you tell the difference?
These elms named after scientist Christine Buisman are field elms. A species of elm that is older than the Dutch elm. Early last century, Christine Buisman and Bea Schwartz developed the first cultivated varieties that were more resistant to Dutch elm disease. Elms do like some moisture and nutrition. They grow well in light shade. This cultivar does not stand up well to salty sea winds. You won't find them on the coast. The field elm remains smaller than the Dutch elm. This row of trees was probably planted in the 1950s. This proves that they are resistant to Dutch elm disease.
Robinia | Robinia pseudoacacia
The Robinia can be found right behind the Robiniastate and blooms no less than from May to July.
Robinia | Robinia pseudoacacia
The Robinia can be found right behind the Robiniastate and blooms no less than from May to July.
The robinia is a tree in the papilionaceous family. In late spring and early summer, it is conspicuous for its hanging clusters of white papery flowers. The tree is often called acacia, which is actually a misnomer, but is reflected in its scientific name 'pseudoacacacia'. Pseudoacacia means as much as resembling the acacia. Do you also notice the trunk with its strongly and deeply grooved bark and strikingly vertical broad ribs?
Japanese walnut tree | Ginkgo biloba
Following the bridge are two groups of Japanese walnut trees: Ginkgo trees. These trees existed in prehistoric times and even survived the dinosaurs!
Japanese walnut tree | Ginkgo biloba
Following the bridge are two groups of Japanese walnut trees: Ginkgo trees. These trees existed in prehistoric times and even survived the dinosaurs!
The name of this tree is quite misleading. In fact, it is not from Japan but from China! And it does not produce nuts either, but seeds. In Japan, the tree is worshipped as a god. The Japanese nut tree symbolises immutability, hope, love, magic, timelessness and long life. Many artists have been inspired by the Japanese walnut tree. For instance, it was Goethe's favourite tree. He raised and planted several hundred of them himself. He also wrote a sonnet about it in 1815: Gingo biloba.
Brown Beech | Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea'
Beech is native to the Netherlands and red beech occasionally appears in seedlings at nurseries. Around 1770, the cultivated variety was selected. Somewhere in central Europe, the tree was noticed.
Brown Beech | Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea'
Beech is native to the Netherlands and red beech occasionally appears in seedlings at nurseries. Around 1770, the cultivated variety was selected. Somewhere in central Europe, the tree was noticed.
There are several species of beech, but this brown beech is found only in Europe. Beech trees belong to the so-called nap bearer family: the fruit is protected by a nap. Incidentally, beeches do not want to grow everywhere. The tree occurs in the final stage of forest development. The soil should be moist and permeable. The water table should not be too high, but not too dry either. Beech lives in symbiosis with a fungus. This means that without the fungus, the tree has difficulty growing. But when they do grow, they can become hefty trees! In forests, 35 metres is no exception. As solitary trees, they also grow very wide. Because of the acid leaves and the dense crown, little wants to grow under a beech. Beech forests are therefore very open. Red-leaved beeches are very popular in large gardens and estates and in special places in parks. Did you know that there are also columnar beeches? Yellow, green and red? The name says it all: these beeches are columnar and have an upright habit. That is why they are also suitable for a somewhat smaller garden.
Grey Abeel | Populus × canescens
The foliage of this sycamore has a greyish underside, creating fun colour effects in the wind.
Grey Abeel | Populus × canescens
The foliage of this sycamore has a greyish underside, creating fun colour effects in the wind.
The grey poplar is a fast-growing poplar with a particularly characteristic crown and trunk. The trunk is white-grey with black stripes and diamond-shaped grooves. On older specimens, these grooves form patterns into very distinctive eyes on the trunk.
Japanese Sierker | Prunus x yedoensis
This Japanese cherry is considered one of the most beautiful flowering cherries. The tree comes from Japan, but the origin of this hybrid is unclear. It is thought to have originated around 1730.
Japanese Sierker | Prunus x yedoensis
This Japanese cherry is considered one of the most beautiful flowering cherries. The tree comes from Japan, but the origin of this hybrid is unclear. It is thought to have originated around 1730.
Cherries belong to the rose family, which also includes other trees such as hawthorns, apples and pears. The Japanese cherry has ornamental value only. The fruits of this tree have hardly any flesh and are sour in taste. It is a medium-sized tree of 6 to 10 metres in height. The crown shape is broad vase-shaped. The ends of the branches hang over, eventually flattening the crown. It flowers profusely in April! The flowers are pale pink in bud and white after opening. They smell lightly of almond. The flower diameter is about 3.5 cm. In autumn the leaves turn bright yellow.
Katsura tree | Cercidiphyllum japonicum
The leaves of this group of Katsura trees turn beautiful yellow-orange in autumn.
Katsura tree | Cercidiphyllum japonicum
The leaves of this group of Katsura trees turn beautiful yellow-orange in autumn.
Native to China and Japan, the katsura tree is sometimes called caramel tree because of the slight caramel scent it emits during leaf fall.
King lime | Tilia x europaea 'pallida'
This king lime tree was planted on 26 April 2013 to mark the coronation of King Willem Alexander by Mayor Don Bijl, Alderman Roald Helm and five Purmeren residents who received a royal honour on this day.
King lime | Tilia x europaea 'pallida'
This king lime tree was planted on 26 April 2013 to mark the coronation of King Willem Alexander by Mayor Don Bijl, Alderman Roald Helm and five Purmeren residents who received a royal honour on this day.
As far as royal trees are concerned, Purmerend actually has no tradition. We have a Julianalinde (a Dutch lime tree), which is also on this route. In the same year, an elm was also planted on Tramplein to mark Queen Wilhelmina's birthday. Unfortunately, the redevelopment of the square did not survive the tree. Like the Julianaline, this king lime is a Dutch lime: a cross between a small-leaved lime and a large-leaved lime. Since both of these occur in the wild in the Netherlands, a Dutch lime can spring up spontaneously in the forest. The cross you see here, however, originated in a nursery. You see the tree a lot near farms, as it provides a lot of shade. Do you also know the Linden tree? So that's a Dutch lime tree that is pruned into a plane every year. It is also an easy tree, which actually grows everywhere. The trunk gets decent grooves and thicker lumps in older age, on which young twigs often grow.
Hornbeam | Carpinus betulus
To the left on the hill, you can see an anything but ordinary hornbeam. It can live up to 200 years, and don't prune it into shape? Then it can grow up to 10 metres wide.
Hornbeam | Carpinus betulus
To the left on the hill, you can see an anything but ordinary hornbeam. It can live up to 200 years, and don't prune it into shape? Then it can grow up to 10 metres wide.
Hornbeam is a member of the birch family. It is sometimes confused with the common beech for hedges: the fagus. Main difference between the two? The hornbeam is deciduous, while with the fagus the withered leaves remain on the plant in winter.
Crimson lime | Tilia euchlora
The last tree on the route is the Crimean lime tree. In bloom, this tree seems to be buzzing. Its late flowering and strongly scented flowers that are chock-full of nectar make it a true insect magnet.
Crimson lime | Tilia euchlora
The last tree on the route is the Crimean lime tree. In bloom, this tree seems to be buzzing. Its late flowering and strongly scented flowers that are chock-full of nectar make it a true insect magnet.
Between June and July, the crimson lime produces large yellow flowers that smell very nice and can contain a lot of honey. The crimson lime is a very easy tree with few requirements. It can even endure prolonged drought! The shrinking lime can grow about 20 metres high and 8 metres wide.